FEATURE - A Constellation of Stories

This May, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival is bringing over 100 international and homegrown authors to town, a feat managed by a small, dedicated team and army of volunteers.

by Katy Holliday

Tucked in the cosy Red Room of Rosetta’s Books, I sat down for a chat with the organisers of this year’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival (SCHWF) to discuss the literary phenomenon taking root in our own backyard. Now entering its third year, what began as a local gathering has transformed into a world-class literary destination. 

From international bestsellers like Ireland’s Cathy Kelly, to national icon Bruce Pascoe, the program is balanced out with a medley of local voices, including children’s author Peter Carnavas and nature writer Inga Simpson.

"We’ve got some runs on the board now," says Lea Dodd, Artistic Director and the driving force behind the event. 

"In the first year, we had to reach out and say ‘come to this festival’. Now, the publishers are contacting me. At the big festivals, authors are just a number. Here, they felt it was their festival."

A large part of that appeal is the unique atmosphere of the town itself. “They are surprised at the support from the community,” says Festival Arts Development Coordinator, Jodi Hamlyn-Harris. “They really love the feeling of being here and also the beautiful surroundings.”

“Even when it rains,” Lea muses. 

“Especially when it rains,” Jodi adds.

The festival has secured a massive "coup" by joining forces with the Horizon Festival. 

“We're the test case for a collaboration with a bigger festival,” Lea says of the partnership. 

“This is an event that’s over many hinterland destinations,” explains co-founder Rhonda Billett. “It’s great that we're promoting authors, but it's the flow-on effects, the people who stay, eat, and shop, where the value really is for our towns.”

And the very best of the hinterland spirit will be showcased in this year’s program, with a tapestry of events woven into the 2026 theme, A Constellation of Stories’, an idea that drew inspiration from Maleny’s application to become a certified Dark Sky Reserve. 

Moving beyond tents and chairs to sensory experiences, the lineup includes the First Light opening breakfast with First Nations authors Debra Dank and Maria van Neerven, and an Under the Stars Gala featuring a discussion with Bruce Pascoe and Ken Wishaw. 

There will also be a garden tour and long-table lunch with ABC’s Hannah Moloney, and the Platypus Walk and Poetry Workshop led by ‘Platypus Whisperer’ Neil Andison, and poet Jane Frank. 

"The artery of this event is books," Rhonda reflects, "but then there’s lots of little veins of beautiful things that make it even better than what we thought."

In a community filled with a constellation of its own stories, it begs the question, is Maleny the literary heartbeat of the Sunshine Coast? The SCHWF is shining a light for authors to tell their stories, their own versions of truth, metaphorically illuminating the dark night sky. 

“I think [festivals like these] give people freedom of voice. So, we aren't censoring anybody,” says Lea.

When asked if the event is for serious readers, aspiring writers, or those just seeking a hinterland escape, Jodi is clear: “At the end of the day, you don't have to be an avid book reader to be a part of the festival. There's so many things in there for different age groups. I think that in this program, there is something for everyone.”

To ensure the ‘village’ can actually attend, the team has worked to keep prices near cost, offering half-day passes and events. 

"A lot of our community is retired and doesn't have a lot of disposable income," Lea notes. "We want it affordable so they can attend as many events as they want and still afford to buy the books to support the authors we’ve brought here." 

Local families will find plenty of ways for kids to get involved at the Story Stars Shed at Maleny Showgrounds, featuring readings and craft. For teens, a YA session led by a young author and film producer offers practical advice for future writers and filmmakers.

In her look at this year’s lineup, Lea highlighted a shift toward horror and gothic storytelling. She also encouraged audiences to watch debut talent like Luke Johnson, whose crime novel King Tide is garnering attention, and Katherine Johnson, whose book Every Wild Soul arrived with much buzz after winning the inaugural Australian Fiction Prize.

Lea’s final recommendation for those travelling up the Range? 

"Come for Sunday. There are 40 authors on panels and another 40 indie authors in the book market. You can spend the whole day in one location and just soak it in."

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival runs this May 2-4. For the full program and tickets, visit schwritersfestival.com.au